Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour from Queenstown

Skippers Canyon 4WD Tour

Nomad Safaris offers a guided half-day 4WD heritage tour into the historic Skippers Canyon, following accessible sections of the legendary Skippers Road. Hand-built during the Otago gold rush and carved into the cliffs above the Shotover River, this remarkable route showcases one of the region’s most dramatic landscapes.

Travelling in purpose-built 4WD vehicles, your experienced local guide navigates this awe-inspiring canyon while sharing stories of the pioneers and miners who once lived and worked here. Along the way, you will visit key historic sites and scenic viewpoints, including views of the iconic Skippers Suspension Bridge, and gain insight into the challenging conditions faced by early settlers in this remote environment. This engaging and scenic adventure is suitable for families.

Trip Details

The Skippers Canyon 4WD tour departs from Queenstown, travelling toward Coronet Peak before descending into the canyon. Enjoy a stop at Plane Table for panoramic views across the Wakatipu Basin, followed by a visit to Lighthouse Rock, offering a dramatic lookout over the canyon below.

As the historic road winds deeper into Skippers Canyon, your guide highlights significant gold-mining sites and shares stories of exploration and discovery, with multiple opportunities for photos along the way, including viewpoints of the historic Skippers Suspension Bridge.

Morning or afternoon tea is included and enjoyed in a scenic canyon setting. On the return journey, stop at Deep Creek to try traditional gold panning, learning techniques used during the Otago gold rush on one of the region’s well-known gold-bearing rivers.

Please note access over Skippers Bridge is currently closed due to long-term maintenance and safety works. Due to the bridge closure access to the school house and cemetery is also unavailable. Tours now operate to permitted points within the canyon, with alternate additional scenic and historical stops included.

More info

Inclusions

• Four-hour Skippers Canyon 4WD tour
• Pick up and drop off in central Queenstown
• Fully equipped four-wheel-drive vehicle
• Small group sizes
• Light refreshments
• Gold panning in the Shotover River
• Knowledgeable local guide

Time

• This experience departs daily at 8.15am and 1.30pm

Duration

• Please allow 4 hours for this experience

Departure Location

• This experience departs from some central Queenstown hotels or Info & Track/Snow Centre (37 Shotover Street)

What To Bring

• Water bottle
• Camera
• Dress appropriately for outdoor adventures in the mountain

Additional Information

• A minimum of 2 people is required to operate this tour and a minimum of 4 people on NZ public holidays
• Minimum two on the tour for a confirmed departure
• Subject to availability

Cancellation Policy

• Change your booking up to 24 hours before the start time of your experience​
• Changes are not permitted within 24 hours of your experience​
• Late arrivals or no shows may result in you forfeiting your experience

Booking Information

• Confirmation in the form of a tour voucher will be received at time of booking
• Upon completion of purchase, please print the voucher and present on day of the experience
• Mobile Vouchers are accepted! - Vouchers can also be presented on your mobile device for this attraction
• For your information, complete Tour Operator Information including contact details is included on your tour voucher
• Availability was accurate at the time of booking however, is subject to change due to circumstances out of our control. We strongly suggest reconfirming your booking with the tour operator within 24 hours of making your booking and prior to making other travel arrangements